Lifters win gold

By HENRY MORABANG THREE Papua New Guinean weightlifters won two gold medals and a silver medal at the French National Championships held in Mont De Marsan early last month. Dika Toua won a gold medal in 53kg division while Morea Baru won gold in 62kg and Steven Kari picked up silver in the 94kg division. The PNG trio were among 10 Oceania Weightlifting Institute lifters in New Caledonia, Noumea, invited for the French national weightlifting championships. The PNG contingent currently training in Monte Dome in New Caledonia includes Thelma Toua, Dika Toua, Lorraine Harry, Morea Baru, Toua Udia and Steven Kari PNG lifters have been back at the institute since the start of the year. The Oceania team did well by winning five gold medals and three silver medals. Their trip was funded by the French government. Oceania Weightlifting Federation secretary Paul Coffa said their stay in France was funded by the French Weightlifting Federation through the sports ministry in Paris. Coffa told The National that the French national championships was only for France and French colonies. “I am not sure how many French colonies were there. I know of New Caledonia, Mauritius, Cameroon and others,” Coffa said. Dika blasted a strong field of 13 competitors to win gold while Morea had 11 challengers while Kari come second to settle for silver against 16 other competitors. Coffa said the weightlifters at the Oceania institute would now be preparing for the Pacific Cup. Nine countries have confirmed to take part in the tournament in Noumea on Saturday.